When we’re at odds with another person sometimes things come to such a state that the only thing for it is a go-between, someone who is trusted by both parties. This is true for relations between God and humans. We often look . . . Continue reading →
Heidelberg Catechism
Not A Ladder But A Cross
“17. Why must he also be true God? That by the power of His Godhead He might bear in His manhood the burden of God’s wrath, and so obtain for and restore to us righteousness and life.” Almost from the beginning of . . . Continue reading →
Introduction To The Heidelberg Catechism
In March I promised to post this and then promptly forgot. I was asked to write a brief introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism for a Danish translation of the catechism. Here it is. § Introduction Considering its principals, the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) . . . Continue reading →
Photos From “Our Only Comfort” Conference
Saturday and the Silence of the Lamb
During this season, which many Christians call “Holy Week,” I am perversely drawn to Saturday. Perhaps it is because the Saturday between “Good” Friday and Resurrection Day is, for others a sort of relief. For them it is a day off from the . . . Continue reading →
Available Now: A Faith Worth Teaching
New Resource on the Heidelberg Catechism
This is the 450th Anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism (1563). The HB, of course, is devoted to explaining and applying the catechism and to pointing you to worthy resources to that end. This is one of them. Here’s my jacket blurb: As a . . . Continue reading →
Just in Case You Know Someone Who Reads Danish
The Gospel in Paradise
Last time we saw that there’s nothing new in “biblical theology.” The Christian church has been doing a form of what we “biblical theology” for a very long time. This is because the gospel may be considered as a topic or as . . . Continue reading →
Biblical Theology Isn’t New—It’s In the Catechism
HC Q. 19 (Pt 1)
Go the reference room (virtual or real), find a encyclopedia entry on “Biblical Theology” and one will likely find an entry that begins in the 19th century liberalism. Depending upon which entries one reads, one might find reference to the Dutch Reformed . . . Continue reading →
Outstanding Resources for Understanding the Catechism
The folks at Logos asked me to let you know about these resources. Its the Baker Academic Heidelberg Catechism Collection (2 vols.) It includes the introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism edited by Lyle Bierma, Charles D. Gunnoe Jr., Karin Y. Maag, and . . . Continue reading →
Heidelberg Catechism Q. 18: One Mediator, Two Natures
The Reformation Debate
Part 1 Heidelberg Catechism Q. 18 asks: 18. But who now is that Mediator, who in one person is true God and also a true and righteous man? Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is freely given unto us for complete redemption and . . . Continue reading →
Heidelberg Conference on Reformed Theology 2013: Our Only Comfort
18-21 July 2013
This is the 450th Anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism 1563). The SERK (Selbständige Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche Heidelberg) is hosting a conference, in Heidelberg, this summer. The featured speakers are Joel Beeke, Mike Horton, Lyle Bierma, Victor E. d’Assonville, Jon Payne, Jason Van Vliet, . . . Continue reading →
2013 Conference Q & A
Whole Armor of God
Here is the Q & A session of this year’s faculty conference. We had some fun while answering questions and clarifying some of the points made in the various talks.
“Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace”
Why the Heidelberg Catechism?
Happy Birthday to the Heidelberg Catechism
One of the Three Forms of Unity
In all the conference business I almost forgot to say happy birthday to the catechism. On 19 January 1563 the catechism was approved by a synod in Heidelberg. Here are resources on the catechism. Heidelberger Katechismus 1.Was ist dein einziger Trost im . . . Continue reading →
Catechesis Palatina
Catechesis Palatina
The Gospel of Peace and the Heidelberg Catechism
I think this is our 10th annual faculty conference. We began in 2004 with the “Foolishness of the Gospel.” This year we’re remembering the 450th anniversaries of the Belgic Confession (1562) and the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) while meditating on Ephesians 6. I’ll . . . Continue reading →
Happy Birthday to the Heidelberger!
In January, 1563 the Heidelberg Catechism was adopted by the Palatinate Church (the German Reformed Church). That means that the Heidelberg Catechism, or the Heidelberger as it’s sometimes known, is 450 years years old this year. As with Calvin 2009 there will . . . Continue reading →
The Power of Faith: 450 Years of the Heidelberg Catechism
In 2013 the Heidelberg Catechism will be 450 years old. To mark this event Karla Apperloo-Boersma and Herman Selderhuis have edited a new volume (hardcover, 440 pages) on the catechism. According to Amazon it’s $56.00 (HT: Michael A. G. Haykin). Thus begins the . . . Continue reading →
Heidelberg Catechism Q. 18: One Mediator, Two Natures
The Definition of Chalcedon (451) We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly . . . Continue reading →















